Tim Hortons is making smiles for YMCA kids

We will be reopening our health and fitness centres at the end of June and we can’t wait to welcome our Y community members back. Learn more

09/09/2016

KELOWNA, BC ­­—Helping a child in need is as easy as giving a smile! Running from September 12 to 18, Tim Hortons guests can purchase a freshly baked chocolate chunk Smile Cookie for $1 at participating restaurants throughout the Central Okanagan, and 100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated in support of the YMCA Strong Kids Healthy Snack Program.

“We are proud of the joy that our annual Smile Cookie Campaign continues to bring to the community,” says Chris Chapman, Tim Hortons restaurant owner in Kelowna. “We’re encouraging Central Okanagan residents to visit their local Tim Hortons to purchase a cookie that will ultimately make the difference in the life of a child participating in the YMCA’s Child Care programs.”

“These funds ensure that all children in YMCA Child Care have access to healthy snacks in their daily diet,” says Colleen Keeler, YMCA Child Care Manager Early Years. “We have many kids in our programs who come to us without eating breakfast or adequate snacks throughout the day. Some parents cannot afford to provide their kids with proper nutrition, and these dollars are critical in ensuring every child has access to the nourishment that helps them learn, grow and thrive.”

The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 as a way to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital in Ontario and has grown to become a major fundraising event at Tim Hortons Restaurants.

Last year, the Smile Cookie campaign raised $6.3 million across Canada and 460 local charities, hospitals and community programs were supported. In the Central Okanagan, local Tim Hortons Restaurant owners generously donated $35,000 to the Y’s Strong Kids Healthy Snacks program.

About Tim Hortons Inc.

Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of customer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled paninis and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of June 29, 2014, Tim Hortons had 4,546 system wide restaurants, including 3,630 in Canada, 866 in the United States and 50 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the company is available atwww.timhortons.com.

About the YMCA of Okanagan

The YMCA of Okanagan is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community by nurturing the potential of others, promoting healthy living, and fostering social change and responsibility. The Y is reliant on the generous support from the community in order to provide programs and services to local children, youth, seniors and families. Visitwww.ymcaokangan.cato learn more about the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign or contact Rhonda Zakala at 250-491-9622 ext. 304.